Vibratory exercising and massaging machine



7 July 21, 1931. J. F. OHRBERG 1,815,630

VIBRATORY EXERCISING AND MASSAGING MACHINE Filed April 6, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

I M ATTORNEY July 21, 1931. .1. F. OHRBERG 1,815,630

VIBRATORY EXERCISING AND MASSAGING IACHINE Filed April 6, 19:29v 4 Shasta-Sheet 2 July 21, 1931.

J. F. OHRBERG VIBRATORY EXERCISING AND MASSAGING MACHINE 4 sheets-sheet Filed April 6, 1929 m W M da r a a a a. y J 3 10 0 l J o J, a a J 3 d a 4 .v. y i s IIIIII (Om 2mg. 9mm 13 M lw'v ATTORNEY July 21, 1931. J. F. OHRBERG VIBRATORY EXERCISING'AND MASSAGING URINE Filed April 6. 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

@irToRNEY gJKWW. v

40 switch and-stopping of the machine.

Patented July 21, 1931 g UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE JOHN F. OI-IRBEBG, on MOLINE, ILi'i nors VIBRATORY nxsncrsme AND MASSAGING MACHINE Application filed April 6, 1929. Serial No. 353,226.

My invention relates to avibratory exer ments and controls is particularly efficient cising and massaging machine, of that type for the purposes for which it is intended. which is electrically operated, by means of a The particular construction, arrangement, motor embodied in the machine. The chief and manner of operation of the machine, will purpose thereof is to provide a machine the be more fully understood fromthe following force of which can be applied to all parts of specification, taken in connection with the ac-. the body and limbs, either directly by means companying drawings, in which of massaging or palpatating contrivances Fig. l is a side view of the invention in its connected with the machine, or through the preferred embodiment. i

19 medium of belts or straps such as are com- Fig- 2 is a front View of the upper part 60 monly used with such machines. To facilie eof.

tate the various operations and the applica Fig. 3 is a similar view with the casing tion thereof to different parts of the body h WIl 111 broken lines. i the head of the machine is til ingly support- F t Shows the lnventlon in plan view.

ed, and provided with means for holding the g- 5 1S flf 0f the head Of the machine same in adjusted positions. Wl h the caslng removed.

Another feature of the invention consists g- 6 is h 6 d Y ew of the motor with the in the positioning and arrangement of switch q s ng 24 I1 SeCtlon, showing gearing condevices in the electrical circuit by means of amed therein. a 3 hi h th motor i l d i Operation, so Fig. 7 1s a cross-section on the line 77v of that such switches will be automatically 9}; closed upon the handles of the machine being g- 8 18 a demll 0f the 1111i? 0n the broken gripped by the operator. The arrangement g- T is such that the gripping of either handle, or g- 9 18 an elevhtlon of h Stroke arm 34 of both handles simultaneously, will serve to s ppq t i P t 1n Sect10nf close the normally open circuit, and start the ga t l f e 1n t r U th Operator removing hi Fig. 11 1s a detail in section, showing one hands from the handles, thecircuit is autohe M of the m matically opened again, and the operation of g- 2 1S a $1619 elevetlqn 0f the 111361111195 the motor interrupted. The straps used in w g h Same 111 use Wlth a belt or strap. so

connection with the machine are also de- F g 1S Wh W, P fly 1n m fi a signed tobe connected with the handles, and 5110W111g a modlfied arrangement of thednv' in such a manner that said straps will operate 1 m l i to close the switch and start the machine, up- 1 a P Vlew thereofpulling on same or leaning some part of the ll f body against same. The release of such 16 Sectlon 9 the broken l strain will also result in the openin of the F Showmg the latch mech' anism n the modlfied form.

Another part of the invention consists in a Fig. 1( 1s a cross-section on the line 17-11 of Fig. 16. I

novel mechanism by means of which the 1 n length of movement of the vibratory appagfi 1S a detall P i Speht W of h 'F can b8 mcreased or me as l?" In the form of the machine set forth more 45 sired, and the same set for the desired stroke. specially in the first ltwelvefigures, e mien devlce 1891? a slmple and durable con ence number 1 indicates a base, supported structlon, and c n h pro at a r l y upon non-abrasive cylindrical feet 2, and low cost of manufacture for machines of the vided with a ad 3. At the rear end of kind mentioned. It 15 also convenient and the machine i a socket 4, in which is fixed the 5% easy to operate, and with various adjust lower end of astandard 5, to the upperend on a strain being placed upon the Strap as b Fig. 15 is a sectional view on the broken 85 of which is fixed a sleeve 6, sloping rearwardly at its upper part. Secured in the forward side of the sleeve 6 is a pair of trunnions 7, upon which is rockingly mounted a base-plate 9, by means of ears 8 on the lower face thereof. Supported on said base-plate is a casing 10, enclosing parts hereinafter set forth, and comprising the head of the machine.

To the lower face of the plate 9 is attached a segment rack 11, the teeth 12 of which are engageable by a dog 13, pivoted to the sleeve 6, and provided with a handle 14 for opera-- tion. Said dog is held normally in engagement with the rack by means of a coiled spring 15, connecting said dog with the sleeve 6 at a'point above the same. By releasing the dog '13 from the teeth of the rack the head of the machine can be rocked into adjusted posi tions,either downwardly, or rearwardly, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 1. The purpose of this willbe more fully explained hereafter. After being turned to a new position the head can be secured therein by again engaging the d0g'13 with the teeth of the rack.

Mounted on the base-plate 9 within. the casing 10 is an electric motor 17, to which energy may be supplied through a cord 18, passing through the plate 9. On the end of the motor shaft 19 is fixed a worm drive gear 20, in mesh with a worm gear 21 on the lower end of a vertical shaft 22, supported at the end of the motor in a housing 24, and provided at its upper end with an eccentric disk 23, encircling which is the band 25 of a pitman arm 26, for the operation of devices hereinafter'set forth.

Projected inwardly from the front side of the casing 10 is a pair ofbearings 28 and 29, in which is secured a cylinder 30, preferably formed of brass tubing, and within'which is supported a hollow shaft 31, held from release by means of a cotter-pin 32 in the lower end thereof, and between which and the bearing 29 is a washer Fixed to the upper end of the shaft 31 is a stroke-arm 34, provided at its ends with handles 35 and 36, at the lower ends of which are pad=like enlargements 37. The stroke arm is of a hollow formation, open at its lower side, such opening being extended downwardly into the handles 35 and 36. On the upper end of the cylinder 30 is a washer 38, upon which is supported the circular central stem portion of the stroke-arm 34. In each of the handles 35 and 36 is an insulated portion 40, to which is fixed a terminal 41, from which a wire a extends to a connection with the electrical system from which the motor is energized, themotor wires being indicated as Z) and c, Fig. 9. Another wire (Z is also connected with said system and carried to the terminal of an electrode 42 fixed to a fiber grip member 43 pivoted in the up perpart of the handle, as-at e. The terminal of the electrode is adapted to be brought into contact with the terminal 41 to close the circuit in the system and cause the operation of the motor. Said terminals are held normally out of contact by means of a spring 44 fixed to the insulator 40, and holding the grip 43 no] mally in outward position. This apparatus is duplicated in the other handle 36, so that a pressure upon the grip 43 in either handle will serve to close the switch therein and start the motor. In their passage from the handles the wires a and (Z we tend along the stroke-arm 34 and through openings in the stem thereof and in the shaft 31, through whicn shaft they pass downwardly to a connection with the rest of the system.

Projected rearwardly from the central portion of the stroke-arm 34 is a. rack-arm 45, in which is an arcuate slot 46, beneath which is a wider slot or opening in the top of the casing 10. The radial center of the slot 46 is the shaft 19, and a connection is made between the arm 26 and rack-arm 45 by means of an inverted bolt 48 passing upwardly through an eye in the end of the arm 26, and through a collar 49 on the lower side of the rack-arm 45 and an enlarged washer 50 on the upper side thereof. The lower end of the washer 50 is slidable in a recessed portion 46 of the slot 46, and upon the upper threaded end of the bolt 48 is a hand-turn 51, the downward movement of which serves to clamp the arm 45 tightly between the collar 49 and washer 50. hat part of the washer 50 which moves in the recess 46 is flattened sufliciently'to prevent the washcr from turning, and the upper end of the bolt 48 is flattened at two of its sides to conform with the shape of the Opening in said washer through which it passes. The bolt is thereby held from turning while the hand-turn 51 is being moved upwardly or downwardly thereon. The collar 49 is supported upon a shouldered portion of the bolt 43, permitting a free movement of the end of the arm 26 on said bolt. Projected from one side of the washer 50 is an indicator 53, for use with a scale 54 011 the rack-arm 45 at the edge of the slot, for a purpose hereinafter described.

The rotation of the shaft 22 is converted in to a reciprocatory movement of the pitman 26, which is in turn communicated to the rack-arm 45 and stroke-arm 34, causing a rapid vibratory movement thereof. In the material reduction to practice of the invention which is portrayed in the drawings the minimum length of stroke of the arm 45 is attained by fixing the bolt 48 at the outer end of the slot 46, the movement being approximately one-half inch at each end of the pitman 26. By relieving the connection of the bolt 48 and moving it inwardly along the slot 46 the movement of the arm 45 1]1C1(39.SLS,1ll1tll with the bolt at tlie inner minimize"nw movement of the outer .end of said arm is approximately two inches. The handles 35 and 36 are equidistant from each other and from the outer end of the rack-arm 45, sothat the movement of such handles increases or decreases as the length of movement of the arm 45 increases or diminishes, and to the same extent. I11 order to determine the proper positioning of the bolt 48 in the slot, the indicator 53 and scale 54 are provided, with suitable markings thereon. The movement of the stroke-arm in excess of the one inch movemerit is so severe as to be usable with a belt only, such as is shown at 55 in Fig. 12. In using the machine the operator stands upon the base 1 and grasps the handles 35 and 36, the gripping thereof serving to move the parts 43 inwardly and close the switch, together with the electric circuit to the motor, causing the same to operate. The vibratory action of the stroke-arm is communicated through the arms of the operator to his body, causing a pleasant sensation and efiect, and dependent upon the relaxed or stiffened con diti'on of the muscles. By placing the breast or other portion of the body against the stroke-arm a direct massaging of such part can be secured, and the head of the machine can be tipped into any desired position to accommodate it to the position of the body. By a change in the adjustment of the rack mechanism beneath said head covering a range of three or four of the notches therein the stroke-arm-84 can be raised or lowered to conform to the varying heights of operators of ordinary build. 1

Another manner of using the machine is .to grip oneof the handles with one hand and apply the other handle to the muscles of the arms or legs. Many other ways in which the machine can be used will suggest themselves to the user thereof- I a a The operation of standard makes of electric motors is too rapid for use with the machine set forth herein, andit is found necessary to employ reduction gearing between the motor shaft and shaft 22, which would ordinarily be a loweringof the. speed of about threeand-one-half to one.

In using the device with a belt a connection of the belt is made with one or both of the handles by looping the belt about the same, the slipping ofthe loop downwardly being prevented by the flange 37 on the lower end of the handle. The belt is in endless form, and is preferably formed of toweling or similar material which can be laundered and kept in a clean and sanitary condition. As shown in Fig. 12 the belt 55 is'of sufficient length to be looped round both handles 35'and 36 and passtwice round the body oft-he operator. By leaning back' on the belt the portions thereofwhich pass round the handles draw the grip members43 inwardly, closing the switches and starting the motor. The vibra' torymovement of the stroke-arm is then imparted through the belt to the user of the machine, withsalutaryresults. By connecting one end of the belt with one of the handles and wrapping the other end abouta leg or arm, and drawing on the belt, the machine is operated, and the vibratoryaction applied directly to such leg or arm. It can also be looped about the head, and used in many other ways, which will readily suggest themselves.

In the operation of the stroke arm 34 the shaft 31, oscillating in the tubular bearing 30, provides a substantial and durable mounting therefor. In any operation of the machine the user st-ands'on the base, as indicated in Fig. 12, which serves to hold the machine in a substantially rigid position, and does away with the necessity of fastening the support thereof to the floor, whichis done with some machines of that type. In some places where machinesare to be used'the attachment thereof to the floor might not be desired.

lVhen the machine is in use, and it is desired to change the position of the head thereof, this can be quickly done by releasing the handles, disconnecting the dog from the notches of the gear-rack, and re-setting the head in the new position.

In the construction of the machine which is portrayed in Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive, the upper end of a standard is shown, to which is attached a sleeve 61, upon which is rockingly mounted a base-plate 62, by means of ears 63 engaging pivots 64 on the sleeve 61. Supported on the base-plate 62 is a casing 65, said casing and base-plate forming the head of the machine. Fixed to the lower face of the base-plate is a segment-gear. rack 66, provided with a series of notches capable of selective engagement .by a lug 68 on a latch 69, slidable in a housing 70 on the side of the sleeve 61, and provided at its outer end'with a knob 71. The latch .is held normallywith the lug in engagement with the rack 66 by means of a coiled spring 72, in-

terposed betweenthe end of the housing 70 and a pin 73 in the latch. In rear of the knob 71 is a guard 74, to prevent the. fingers getting, caughtin the rack when the latch is being operated.

Mounted on the plate 62 within-the casing is an electric motor 7 5, to which power is supplied through wires contained in a cord 76. Said motor is provided with a vertically disposed drive shaft 77. Supported on the base-plate 62 and also connected. with the motor casing is a frame 78, supporting abear ing 79, in which is mounted a vertical shaft 8O. On the upper end of said shaft is fixed a pulley 81, connected by a-belt 82 with a pulley 88 on the upper end of the shaft 77;

The relative sizes of the pulleys is such as to cause a desired reduction of speed inthe shaftr80. In the hubIOf'the. pulley 8,1 is a crank-pin 84, connected with which is a pitman 85, the other end of said pitman being connected with a rack-arm 86 similar to the arm hereinbefore described, and having similar stroke-arm connections-but not shown in the drawings.

The operation of the last-named mechanism is similar to that of the gear transmission shcwn in the other embodiment of the u machine. The arrangement of the handles and electrical system is the same as hereinbefore described, and themotor is set in motion upon the handles being gripped. Power is then imparted through the motor shaft and pulley thereon to the pulley 81 and shaft 80, causing a reciprocating movement in the pitman 85. This movement is communicated directly to the rack-arm 86, and stroke-arm with which it is connected. The manner of tilting the head of the machine, and holding the same in adjusted positions will be obvious.

hat I'claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A device of the class described, comprising a support, a head rockingly mounted thereon, a vibratory member carried by said head and provided with a pair of handles, an actuating member connected with said vibratory member, power devices carried by said head and normally inactive, connections be tween said handles and said power devices operating to-actuate the power devices upon the handles being gripped by the hands of a user, means for imparting the movement of said power devices to said actuating member including a main drive shaft, gearing driven thereby, and a crank and'pitman connection between said gearing and said actuating member, and means for holding said headin an adjusted position after adjustment thereof.

2. A device of the class described, comprising a support, a head mounted thereon, a vibratory member provided with a pair of handles, a rack arm projected from said vibratory member, power devices in said head, connections between said power devices and said vibratory member rack arm, capable of adjustable connection therewith, to vary the length of movement of said rack-arm, and connections between said handles and said power devices for setting said power devices in motion upon having a gripping pressure applied to the handles, said movement continuing only solong as said pressure ismaintained.

3. A device of the class described, comprising a support, a head mounted-thereon, anvibratory member carried by saidhead and provided with handles, an electrical motor 'a motor shaft carried by said head, an electrical system connected with said motor, switches in said handles holding said system normally open; and adapted to close the same upon said handles having a grip ing pressure applied. thereto ge string" in head operatively connected with said motor shaft, and a crank and pitman connection between said gearing and said vibratory anember.

' 4. Ina device of the class described, a suitable'support, a head mounted thereon, a vibratory member carried by said head and handle thereon, an actuating arm for said vibratorymember, an electrical motor in said head, an electrical system connected with said motor,a switch in said handle holding said system normally open, and including a movable part operable upon said handle being grasped, to close said circuit, and means for imparting the movement of said motor to said actuating member to suitably actuate the same including amotor shaft, gearing operatively connected with said shaft. and a crank and pitman connection between said gearing and said actuating arm.

-5. In a device of the class described, a support, a head rockingly mounted thereon, a vibratory member carried byrsaid head, provided with apair ofhandles, an electrical motor "in said head, an electrical system connected with said motor, "switches in said handles connected with said'electrical system, holding the same normally open, including movable members in said switches operable by pressure as in gripping said handles, to close said switches, the closing of either switch operating to close the circuit and start the motor, a motor shaft, gearing driven therebv,and a crank and pitman connection between said gearing and saidvibratory member to suitably actuate the same.

6. In a device of the class described, a support, ahead mounted thereon, a curved vibrato'ry arm and handles on theends thereof, pivotallymounted onsaid head, a rack-arm connected with said vibratory arm, and provided with an arcuate slot, an electric motor contained in said head, and electrical system therefor, 'a motor drive shaft, a secondary shaft in proximity thereto, gearing connectingsaid shafts andadap'ted to drive the secondary shaft at a relatively low rate of speed, a vertical shaft, a pitman connected at one of its ends with said secondary shaft, connections at the other end of said pitman with said rack-arm, including parts'movable in said slot, means for clamping said connections in adjusted positions in said slot, and connections bet-ween said handles and said electrical system operable upon said handles being grasped to close'a circuit in said system and start said motor.

7. A device of'the class described, comprising a support, a head rockingly mounted thereon, a "vibratory member mounted on said head,'and handles atthe ends thereof, provided with pad-like terminals, an actuating member connected with said vibratory memberymeans forholding said head in adjusted positions, a motor carried bv-said head, connections between said handles and sald motor for starting the same upon pressure being applied to said handles, a massage belt adapted for engagement with one or both of said handles, and held from release by said terminals, a given pressure on the massage belt applied to said handles actuating said connections, a motor drive shaft, and means for imparting the movement of said shaft to said actuating member, including gearing and a crank and pitman connection between said gearing and said actuating member.

8. In a device of the class described, a platform base, a standard at one end of said base, a head rockingly mounted on said standard, means for holding said head in adjusted positions, a vibratory apparatus mounted on said head, including handles therefor, a motor in said head, connections between said handles and said motor adapted to start the motor and continue the operation thereof during a grip pressure applied to one or both of said handles, a motor drive-shaft, a shaft driven thereby, and a crank and pitman connection between said last-named shaft and said vibratory apparatus.

9. In a device of the class described, a support, a head mounted thereon, a tubular bearing in said head, a vibratory arm and central shaft therefor ournaled in said bearing, handles on the ends of said arm, a rack-arm connected with said vibratory arm, a motor contained in said head, and drive-shaft thereof, a secondary shaft operatively connected with said drive-shaft, and mechanism between said secondary shaft and said rack-arm capable of imparting the rotary movement of said shaft to said rack-arm to cause a vibratory action thereof.

10. In a device of the class described, a

support, a head mounted thereon, a tubular bearing in said head, a vibratory arm and central hollow shaft therefor journaled in said bearing, handles on the ends of said arms, a rack-arm connected with said vibratory arm, a motor contained in said head, and drive-shaft thereof, a secondary shaft rotatably supported in proximity to said driveshaft, gearing connecting said shafts and capable of imparting movement to the secondary shaft at a reduced rate of speed, and mechanism connecting said secondary shaft with said rack-arm and capable of converting the rotary movement of the shaft into a vibratory movement of the rack-arm, an electric system connected with said motor, including switches insaid handles normally open, and connections therewith extending through said vibratory arm and hollow shaft.

11. In a device of the class described, a support, a head mounted thereon, a vibratory arm and handles on the ends thereof, with flanges at their free ends, a rack-arm con nected with said vibratory arm and provided with an arcuate slot, connections movable in said slot, means for holding said connections in fixed position, a motor in said head,

and drive-shaft therefor, reduction gearing connected with said drive-shaft, a pitman connected with said gearing, and connected with said first-named connections, an indicator on said connections, a scale adj acent'to said slot, and connections between said handles and said motor for starting the motor upon the handles being engaged.

12. A device of the class described, comprising a support, a base-plate pivoted thereon, a rack fixed to the base-plate, a latchmember for holding said rack in adjusted position, a casing on said base-plate and opening in the upper part thereof, a stroke-arm pivoted on said casing, a rack-arm connected with said stroke-arm, and provided with a slot above the opening in said casing, a motor in said casing, and drive-shaft therefor, a part movable in said slot, means for holding said part in rigid connection with said rackarm, means for indicating the position of said part in said slot, an auxiliary shaft operatively connected with said drive-shaft, and provided at one of its ends with an eccentric disk, and an arm connecting said disk with said movable part, and means for furnishing power to said motor.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

JOHN F. OHRBERG. 

